Florida, United States: Andy Jorgensen, Director of Golf Course Maintenance Operations at On Top of the World Communities, has been named the recipient of GCSAA’s 2022 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship.

Jorgensen will officially receive the honour at the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego next month.

The 22-year GCSAA member oversees the maintenance of three golf courses: Candler Hills Golf Club, The Tortoise & Hare, and The Links, which are all part of On Top of the World Communities in Florida. Jorgensen has held this position since December 2005.

“It is a great honour to be recognised for our environmental efforts,” Jorgensen said. “Environmental stewardship is an active part of how we operate as a company. We strive to leave it better for generations to come.”

GCSAA’s President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship was established in 1991 to recognise ‘an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf – a contribution that further exemplifies the golf course superintendent’s image as a steward of the land’.

Jorgensen prioritises water conservation, with reclaimed water providing almost half of the irrigation at his facility. No areas outside the line of play are treated with pesticides or fertilisers, and out-of-play areas have been converted to wildflower areas for pollinators, further curbing inputs and increasing habitat for wildlife.

Jorgensen is one of the pioneers of solar power use on golf courses and, additionally, takes steps to reduce waste that comes into the property (being mindful of packaging) and waste that leaves the property (composting on-site).

“Our entire team is focused on preserving the land around us,” Jorgensen said. “Our programmes ensure that native wildlife, water quality and quantity continue to be available for generations to come.”

Jorgensen has served as a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador since 2015 and has been a member of GCSAA’s Best Management Practices (BMP) Resource Task Group. He has presented several times at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

Jorgensen, who earned degrees and turfgrass certificates from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia, was previously superintendent at Southern Woods Golf Club, World Woods Golf Club and Sugarmill Woods Country Club.